Press Release

12/09/2013 11:10 AM ET

Statement from former MLBPA executive director Donald Fehr on Hall of Fame vote

MLBPA/MLB News Release

The following statement was issued today by former Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Donald Fehr regarding the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's Expansion Era Committee election results:

"In the first half of the 20th century, no single person was more important to baseball than was Jackie Robinson. In the second half of the 20th century, that recognition unquestionably belongs to Marvin Miller.

"I had the honor and privilege to work with and for Marvin for the last 6 1/2 years of his tenure as the MLBPA's executive director, and I know from personal experience the impact he had. I learned from him, and followed his example. The strength and integrity of the MLBPA in the 31 years since Marvin's retirement can be traced directly to his legacy. All he wanted was to make certain that players were fairly treated. That was his job and his goal, and generations of players -- past, present and future -- do and will thank him for the fact that they were and are. His positive impact on baseball simply can't be overestimated.

"Marvin should have been elected to the Hall many years ago. It is a sad and sorry state of affairs that he has not been, and continues to reflect poorly on the very organization that has as its purpose recognizing and celebrating baseball's best."